For more than three decades, Irene Roberts has stood as one of Home and Away’s most enduring and beloved figures, a character who embodied resilience, warmth,

and an unshakable sense of loyalty to Summer Bay. But now, in what producers are calling the most emotional exit storyline in years, Irene’s journey is reaching

a heartbreaking conclusion—one that will leave the fictional town, and viewers at home, reeling. Fans already know that Irene recently revealed her Alzheimer’s diagnosis,

a devastating secret she could no longer keep hidden. After years of carrying others through their darkest days, she now finds herself facing her own decline, determined to take control of her fate before the disease takes that choice away. But her decision—to leave Summer Bay after 33 unforgettable years—sparks a fierce backlash, threatening to fracture friendships and test the community’s unity in ways no one expected.

Irene’s Brave, Painful Choice

Speaking to TV Week, actress Lynne McGranger, who has portrayed Irene since 1992, explained her character’s mindset. “She wants to use her situation, the money she has and the time she has left, to live the rest of her life the best she can,” McGranger said.

Rather than staying in Summer Bay and waiting for the illness to take hold, Irene resolves to spend her remaining years chasing freedom and new experiences. To make her departure final, she signs over her shares of the Diner to Leah Patterson-Baker, marking the symbolic end of her deep-rooted ties to the Bay. But while Irene sees this as a gift, her friends see it as an abandonment.

Friends Turn to Confrontation

Irene’s revelation sets off a wave of turmoil. Beloved stalwarts Leah Patterson-Baker, Alf Stewart, and John Palmer quickly intervene, blindsiding Irene with their concerns. They fear she is not only acting recklessly but also leaving herself vulnerable in a world that may not be kind to someone in her condition.

Ada Nicodemou, who plays Leah, offered insight into her character’s perspective: “This is her diagnosis and this is how she can make the most of a sad situation. It’s a positive outlook, considering.” Yet, even as Leah admires Irene’s strength, she cannot shake her fear of losing her dearest friend to an uncertain future.

The following day, the tension reaches boiling point when John Palmer discovers Irene showing her home to a real estate agent. Enraged, he lashes out, accusing her of running away from her problems and turning her back on those who love her. It is one of the most emotionally charged confrontations in recent memory, pitting John’s desperate anger against Irene’s calm resolve.

A Woman at Peace with Her Fate

Despite the pleas and anger surrounding her, Irene refuses to be swayed. For once, she has found clarity. “If I wait too long, it could be too late,” she says, her words underscoring the urgency of her decision. As she prepares to say goodbye to the home that sheltered her through triumphs and tragedies, she is haunted by bittersweet reflections: the memories she made there, and the unanswered question of who will create memories in its walls after she is gone.

McGranger described the poignancy of these scenes: “Now she’s accepted her diagnosis, memories and flashbacks are flooding back.” Viewers can expect a powerful mix of nostalgia and heartbreak, as decades of Irene’s history are revisited in fleeting images and whispered recollections.

A Farewell Full of Love and Tears

Though resistance to Irene’s departure lingers, her friends ultimately begin to accept her wishes. In a touching twist, Leah approaches Irene with a plan: instead of fighting her decision, she will help her make the most of it. Alongside Alf and John, Leah offers to help plan Irene’s final adventure. All Irene needs to do is choose where to go.

What follows is a scene that encapsulates everything Home and Away does best—friendship, laughter, tears, and the painful beauty of goodbye. Irene and Leah share a heartfelt exchange, acknowledging that their time together is drawing to a close. With both smiles and sobs, the two women map out Irene’s upcoming journey, savoring the bond that will outlast distance and time, even if they will no longer share the same town.

Why This Exit Matters

Irene’s exit is more than just another storyline—it marks the end of an era. Since her debut, she has been a cornerstone of Home and Away, guiding younger residents through crises, offering advice over countless cups of coffee at the Diner, and serving as a surrogate mother to those in need. Her departure forces Summer Bay to confront its fragility: the people who seem like permanent fixtures can, in an instant, be taken away.

The backlash Irene faces also highlights a broader theme: how communities react to illness and loss. Her decision to take charge of her future challenges the people she loves most, revealing their struggles to let go and their deep fear of facing life without her. It’s raw, it’s human, and it will resonate with anyone who has ever had to say a painful goodbye.

A Curtain Call for Lynne McGranger

Off-screen, Irene’s departure represents one of the most significant shifts in the soap’s history. Lynne McGranger has given over 30 years of her life to the role, making Irene not just a character but a cultural institution. For fans who have grown up with her, watched her stumble and rise again, her exit will feel personal, like saying goodbye to an old friend.

Producers have promised Irene’s send-off will be one of the most moving and memorable in the show’s history, and if the early previews are any indication, viewers should prepare for plenty of tissues. This is not simply a farewell—it is a celebration of a life lived with courage, flaws, humor, and love.

The Legacy of Irene Roberts

As Summer Bay prepares to lose one of its brightest lights, Irene’s story reminds us that goodbyes are rarely simple. They are messy, painful, and filled with conflicting emotions. But they are also necessary, a final chapter that allows new stories to begin.

Whether Irene finds the peace she seeks beyond Summer Bay remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: her legacy will endure. In the laughter of friends at the Diner, in the waves crashing against the shore, and in the hearts of fans who have walked beside her for decades, Irene Roberts will never truly be gone.